Press Center

Melville, N.Y. (April 29, 2003) - Olympus America Inc. announced today that it has extended a purchase agreement with Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, for Olympus Diagnostic Systems' automated chemistry systems used in Quest Diagnostics' commercial reference laboratories throughout the United States. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Quest Diagnostics will continue to purchase Olympus AU5400™ chemistry analyzers and Olympus reagents, consumables, parts, service and technical support for use throughout its laboratory network. The high volume AU5400s are dynamic blood analyzers that enable Quest Diagnostics to perform high-speed, high-throughput clinical chemistry testing. The AU5400 automates and consolidates chemistry-immuno testing with up to 147 on-board chemistries and throughput up to 6,600 tests per hour.

As part of its agreement with Quest Diagnostics, Olympus provides monthly management reports and, when needed, sends technical personnel into the laboratory to consult with laboratory directors, system operators and other staff in a joint effort to improve operating efficiency and manage costs.

"We are pleased to continue our long standing relationship with Quest Diagnostics," said Stephen Wasserman, Group Vice President, Diagnostic Systems Group of Olympus. "The new line of Olympus analyzers and reagents is designed to optimize laboratory operations. Our goal has always been focused on providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic testing solutions for hospital and commercial laboratories."

Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group also offers rapid response technical support nationwide through Olympus Technical Services. Service and support are available to customers seven days a week, 24 hours a day, by calling 1-800-223-0130. From telephone troubleshooting and remote modem diagnostics…on-site customer training and service for hardware, software, application support…as well as training and field support at Olympus' Irving, Texas facility…Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group provides comprehensive customer-tailored solutions to ensure maximum system uptime with reliable results.

For additional information about the Olympus product line, and other services, please call the Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group at (800) 223-0125, or visit the Olympus web site at www.olympusamerica.com.

About Olympus
Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing optical-digital product solutions for health care and consumer segments. The company leverages R&D investment in technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines that include:

minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical endoscopes;

advanced clinical and research microscopes;

chemistry-immuno analyzers and lab automation systems; and

digital and film cameras, and digital voice recorders.

In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus America Inc. serves health care, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial and other service offerings and is the leading brand in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company's market-leading consumer camera products and services business spans North and South America. Olympus America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and parent company to develop state-of-the-art products and services that are innovative, intelligent, and easy to use.